Activision Blizzard is on top of the world. After a deal with an estimated value of $18.9 billion dollars, Activision and Vivendi Games have merged to create the largest independent video game publisher in the world. The merger between the two companies was only just announced this past weekend, and it should be completed within the first few months of 2008.

Each of the companies going in are well known for a selection of different franchises. Activision is famous for the Call of Duty, Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk games. Blizzard, owned by Vivendi, is the force behind Diablo, Starcraft and World of Warcraft. Vivendi is also responsible for a few smaller series, like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon.

This move also bodes well for Guitar Hero fans. Activision can now draw from Universal Music Group’s well of songs. As many are aware, Universal is the largest mysic company in the world. Imagine the possibilities for Guitar Hero IV.